Love for the Game Creates Fans for Life
When we talk about DEVELOPMENT in youth soccer, it’s very easy to keep the focus of the conversation on skill development. Afterall, it is exciting to see our children develop new skills in practice and then execute these skills on the field.
While skill development is largely in the hands of our children and their coaches, there is another type of development parents should take a significant role in facilitating. In fact, this is the most important development of all - the development of a LOVE FOR THE GAME.
When our children develop a love for the game, regardless of the level in which they participate, they will experience a greater connection to soccer, be more motivated, and start to feel a powerful sense of belonging to others who love the game as well.
At Soccer Parenting we encourage all parents to facilitate moments where a love for the game will be developed, we call these “moments of ignition.” Here are some examples:
1. Help your child identify a professional team to support. Maybe this is as simple as keeping the family tradition going because you already support a team. However, if you don’t – finding one can be fun. For my daughter, Liverpool became her team because of a family friend.
2. Have the TV tuned to soccer. Even if your child is not sitting in front of the TV captivated by the game, having a game on in the background, or inviting them to watch 10 minutes with you is a perfect way for your child to develop deeper a connection to soccer.
3. Go to a local game. If there’s a professional team near you, head to a game! Not a professional team close by? Then go and watch a college or high school game or watch older kids from your club competing. Giving your child role models matters – and what better way to do this than letting them watch them play right in front of their eyes!
4. Go outside and play with your child! Soccer experience is not required here! You can stand with your legs apart and be a mini goal for your child to try and score through, or you can bounce balls they try to control to the ground. The objective is lots of laughs and smiles and creating some special family moments.
5. Follow the U.S. National Teams. There are so many opportunities to cheer and support our U.S. National teams between the Senior Men’s and Women’s team, the various youth Boys’ and Girls’ teams, plus our Extended teams such as Beach, Futsal, Deaf, CP, Blind and Power. Keep track of the major tournaments and set your phone notifications to alert you to games so you can discuss them with your child.
Soccer participation is a fantastic way for our children to learn important life lessons. If parents are intentional about creating moments of ignition so children develop a connection to soccer rooted in a love for the game, children will be more likely to stick with soccer longer, continue to learn these life lessons, become a fan for life – and the development of skill will no doubt happen along the way!